Have You Hugged Your Support Group Leader Lately?

Our state of Texas has a wonderful organization serving homeschoolers statewide. Our Texas Home School Coalition leaders, Tim and Lyndsay Lambert, have sacrificed for years to work and lobby for the good of homeschoolers. They know the value of encouragement and support for every homeschool group leader.

Lyndsay wrote this article, "Have You Hugged Your Support Group Leader Lately?"

http://www.thsc.org/Categories.aspx?Id=HugYourLeader

We love the ideas of giving a gift or flowers or a word of encouragement as Lyndsay suggests.

What ideas do you have? What creative or thoughtful thing have you done for your leaders?

What is the nicest thing ever done for you as a leader?

Does your state have a great way to honor the sacrifices of homeschool group leaders?

Leave a comment below. We'd love to hear from you.

To Lead or Not to Lead

It's disappointing. No one is stepping up to lead your homeschool group. Everyone keeps returning huge "NO's" when you ask them to help lead. Who will step up and keep the homeschool group going forward? Your mind screams, "Enough of the excuses!" You have explained the need of the homeschool group, but it has not been enough to motivate individuals to take on the responsibility.

You CAN overcome, and even prevent, objections like the following that normally paralyze many homeschoolers from accepting a leadership position.

"It will take too much time. I'm too busy."

"I don't want to look greedy for power or like I want to lead. After all, the first shall be last, and it doesn't seem humble to accept."

"Someone else can do it better."

"I don't have a clue what to do."

"Would it mean that I have to speak in front of the group sometimes? I hate speaking in front of people."

You can set their mind at ease and educate them with the truth. You might feel like you want to roll your eyes and tell them everyone else is busy as well, etc. But it is better to anticipate their objections and approach each potential homeschool leader with empathy and respect.

Objection 1: It will take too much time. I'm busy. Be understanding of their time concerns. Be honest with them of the time it takes you to do the job or fulfill the position. Find out how many responsibilities they have and whether it would be good for them to add one more. Encourage them that you asked them because you know that busy people know how to organize their time and get things done.

Objection 2: I don't want to look greedy for power. The truth is that this is a servant's position that is going to take a servant's heart. It may look like a "high position," but it is instead a foundational one that lives out serving others in love daily. Most people wish to make a difference in people's lives; point out that this opportunity to minister to homeschooling families can do just that. It is worth it when you encourage individuals and bless families following the will of God for their lives.

Objection 3: I don't know what to do. Many times people overlook the personal growth that comes from volunteering in leadership. It is true that they may not know what to do . . . did any of us? Let them know that you will be there for them, you will explain things to them, not judge them, and give them freedom to learn and grow. (Learning keeps you young, you know!) Commonly God brings new experiences into our lives to stretch us beyond ourselves, to teach us to rely on Him and bring about more Christ-likeness in us.

Objection 4: I'm afraid to speak in front of people or lead a group. Fear squeals its objections and keeps good people in bondage to the status quo. Be kind when dealing with the feelings of fear that threaten to overwhelm the person. Reassure them that the position fits their God-given talents and that others will be there to help. It's a team effort. Be excited that this gives them the opportunity to conquer fears, build faith and enjoy growth.

You CAN inspire others to leap over their own objections and choose the many life-changing rewards of leading a homeschool group. Ultimately, you or they cannot do it all, but Christ through you CAN.

Growing with you,

Denise Hyde

http://www.homeschoolgroupleader.com/

Welcome, Annalise Faith!

Our newest angel is here and yes, she still smells just a little like heaven!

Paul and Kristen Fagala

proudly announce the arrival of
Annalise Faith Fagala

born February 2, 2011

at 4:24 am

7 lbs. 13 ounces
20 inches long

She is joyfully welcomed by her older sisters and brothers:

Amberlyn, Joshua, Ashton, Luke, Chase and Kathryn

Denise and her girls meet Annalise for the first time. I (Kristen) couldn't wait, so when Denise dropped by to pick up my older kids for a 4-H meeting, I bolted out to the car with the baby.

We are amazed and honored with each addition to our family as the Lord shows us more and more about His perfect LOVE. You know, it only seems like yesterday that we were announcing the arrival of Kathryn Elyse here on the blog! Time flies when you are loving little ones, doesn't it? :-)

It's a joy to share our joy with you!

Kristen

http://homeschoolgroupleader.com/

Can Volunteers be Paid?

As homeschool groups grow and change, leaders face new challenges and responsibilities. It is so important to gain the knowledge needed to make right decisions and fulfill legal requirements. Knowing where to go to find truly reliable information is critical.

Carol Topp, CPA is just such an expert to go to gain the financial knowledge you need. She offers many ways to learn what is needed for homeschool groups and co-ops through books, private consultations, webinars, speaking engagements and her blog. One of Carol's recent blog posts answers an important question from a homeschool group leader about paying workers and volunteers within the co-op. The situation and Carol's wise answer can be found here:
http://www.homeschoolcpa.com/paying-co-op-leaders/

P.S. Tax time is upon us and Carol has tons of info on homeschool groups and co-ops filing with the IRS correctly, as well. It is all at HomeschoolCPA.com.

Our e-book, One By One: The Homeschool Leader's Guide to Motivating Your Members, is found at www.HomeschoolGroupLeader.com.

Free Leadership Webinar Tomorrow

We heard amazing reports coming from the Texas Home School Coalition (THSC) Leadership Seminar with Doug Bartsch. We are excited to pass on the news that THSC is offering a live webinar with Doug tomorrow for free. Here is the information for you:

Would You Like to Improve Your Ability to Lead Others?

Join THSC in this FREE Leadership Webinar with Doug Bartsch,
THSC's 2011 Leadership Training Conference Keynote Speaker
Online at 7 p.m.
This Tuesday, January 18

THSC was blessed beyond measure as Pastor Bartsch, a homeschool husband and father, shared with our Leadership Training Conference attendees' leadership skills and techniques he has learned from both his own experience as a minister and some exceptional mentors that God has brought into his life. A life-long learner with a passion for helping other leaders, Doug will bring practical insights that can transform your life and ministry.

His workshops were so beneficial to our LTC attendees that many who missed this session, Positioned for Effective Leadership, asked to have it repeated, so . . .

THSC is excited to once again welcome Doug Bartsch and
provide leaders with this wonderful opportunity!

In this informative workshop, Doug will use 2 Timothy 2:1-10 to help you discover your spiritual job description and teach you how to structure your ministry to fulfill God's plans.

Leading effectively can be challenging, so don't miss out!

Join us online tomorrow night; reserve your webinar seat now . . .

Too Busy to be the Expert

Even during this busy Christmas season, homeschool group leaders are often contacted by prospective homeschooling families that are exploring the possibility of educating their children at home. It can be difficult to keep your family priorities in place, take care of current homeschool group commitments, AND help these people understand their next steps.

Keep it simple. Take down their name, phone number and email address. Tell them you will send them some great information by email to get them started. Then invite them to call you back when they have read these and have definitely made their decision to homeschool.

What can you send them? Here are some suggestions:

1. This Mary Pride article is a great one to answer basic questions and start them on their way: http://www.home-school.com/Articles/GetStarted.html


2. A link to your state and local homeschool laws and regulations (usually found at your state homeschool group's website)


3. A link to your homeschool group website or web page that explains what your local group is all about.
   

Send this email out to the family as quickly as possible. Don't think about it too hard or too long. Give yourself permission not to expend all your energy on someone who isn't homeschooling yet. You are there to get them information, not convince them.

Believe us, it is tempting and easy to soak up tons of time chatting with someone on the phone who's just gathering information. And then they never even show up to any of your events or meetings. Do yourself and your group a favor, and save the bulk of your energy for those who are already committed to the journey of homeschooling and to your local group.

Have wonderful Christmas season,
Denise & Kristen

Make it Personal

No one can do what you can like you can. Your life experiences give you an ability to relate to the homeschool families in your group like no else. That is what makes you a great homeschool group leader.

Your story--the way you overcame challenges, the why you made decisions, the learning-curve you went through, your personality and personal growth, your strengths, your weaknesses, your talents, and the things you love--all make you unique. These things make up your story. They make up you.

Thank you for being you. Thank you for your dedication to serve the homeschooling community. You are making a difference. Your sacrifice of time and energy is admirable. It is because of your leadership and support that many families can have the strength to continue in their calling.

Our heart here at Homeschool Group Leader is to applaud you today. You are amazing!

Here is an inspiring video to remind you of how influential your heart of service truly is. Today, embrace your story and inspire others with a personal touch.

http://www.stservicemovie.com/


Have a fabulous Thanksgiving!
Denise & Kristen

Homeschool Group Leader

P.S. Watch for a special discount on our book, One by One, coming up soon!